Creamy Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet Recipe
This Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet is a quick and wholesome one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and pasta all cooked together for a delicious, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, slice the zucchinis into rounds, and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out the pasta and chicken broth.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add Vegetables and Garlic: Stir in the sliced zucchini and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until zucchini begins to soften.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Once pasta is tender, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet. Stir well to incorporate the cheese and create a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute zucchini with yellow squash or add bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Using fresh garlic will enhance the flavor but garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
- For a lower carb option, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright finish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: chicken zucchini pasta skillet, one-pan chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, zucchini pasta, quick skillet meal
